How to Bet on Bengals vs. the Chiefs

How to Bet on a Bengals Game Example

Let’s examine your betting options on a hypothetical fixture between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas Chiefs. 

As it stands, the lifetime head-to-head record between the Bengals and the Chiefs sees the Bengals leading the Chiefs 17 wins to 14. The Bengals took home 634 points throughout these games, while the Chiefs made 615 in comparison. 

These statistics suggest that these two teams are relatively evenly matched, which is why they make the perfect example to show you the betting markets you can explore while betting on any NFL matchup.

Bengals vs. Chiefs Odds

Several different kinds of bets can be placed on a single match. These bets range from betting on simple probabilities to betting on a number of statistics over the course of a single game. 

There are two things you need to understand before betting on NFL matches. The first is the way odds are presented and how they change throughout a game. The second is to understand the different betting markets and which can be used to offset any risks you take with your betting mix. 

The odds in most NFL sportsbooks are represented using American odds. These odds are given as whole numbers with a minus or plus sign prefixed, indicating the favorite and the underdog, respectively. 

Let’s look at the odds for our hypothetical game between the Bengals and the Chiefs. 

Team

Moneyline Odds

Cincinnati Bengals 

-150

Kansas Chiefs

+110 

Based on the record between the two teams, let’s say that the Bengals are the slight favorites to emerge winners in this fixture, which is reflected in these odds. 

Moneyline Betting

If you’re new to NFL betting, a moneyline bet is probably the first bet you’re likely to place on a Bengals game. This is the simplest kind of bet and a great way for you to get your first taste of sports betting action. 

A moneyline bet is a simple probability bet - on who the winner or loser of the match will be. If the team you bet on wins the game, you cash out. It’s that simple. 

Under the odds we mentioned above, a $150 bet on the Bengals would yield $100 if they were to win the game. On the other hand, a $100 bet on the Chiefs would yield $110 if they were to win since they’re the underdogs based on these odds. 

Over/Under Betting

Over/under bets are a simple form of betting where sportsbooks set a combined aggregate score for both teams. You bet on whether the aggregate score will be over or under this number.

Historically, the Bengals score an average of 20.4 points per game against the Chiefs, who score an average of 19.8. So, a sportsbook might set the total at 42.5, and you will bet on whether the aggregate score will go over that or stay true to the averages and stay under.

Spreads

Spread bets are never on just the outcome of a match but on the margin of victory or defeat. Sportsbooks pre-determine a number of points called a spread, and you bet on whether a team will win by more points than the spread or lose while conceding fewer points than the spread. 

Let’s say the Bengals have a -10.5 spread against the Chiefs in this example matchup. If you bet on the Bengals, they’d have to win by over 10.5 points for you to win. A bet on the Chiefs would see you cash out only if they either win the game or lose by fewer than 10.5 points.

Parlays

Parlays are a favorite amongst seasoned bettors because they epitomize the philosophy of “all or nothing.” 

When you place individual bets, you are bound by the individual odds for each bet. A parlay allows you to combine multiple bets across football matches under one single wager - thus drastically increasing your odds and potential payout. The only catch is that every single bet under your parlay must be a winner, or you forfeit the entire wager.

For example, you could combine a moneyline and spread bet on the Bengals vs. Chiefs game with an over/under bet on the Bucs and the Steelers under a single parlay.

Prop Bets

A prop bet is basically anything other than a moneyline, spread, or total score bet. These bets aren’t on scores and final outcomes but on specific events that could take place during a match - such as which player will cover the most passing yards or the player with the most touchdowns.

For instance, you could place a prop bet on whether Ja’Marr Chase would have over or under 80.5 receiving yards against the Chiefs or if the Bengals will win a particular half.

Live Betting

Live betting is one of the most exhilarating ways to enjoy an NFL game and add another dimension to the sporting experience. It allows you to bet on events happening in the game as it progresses - with live odds that dynamically evolve throughout a match. 

For instance, the odds-on prop bets you make on the Bengals winning a half or Chase making those receiving yards could fluctuate based on every quarter’s performance against the Chiefs. Either the yardage changes or the odds-on existing yardage gets longer as the game continues. As such, it’s a market that will keep you on the edge of your seat every time.

In Summary

There are many markets for you to explore if you wish to place a wager on the upcoming Bengals vs. Chiefs game.

Once you understand how odds are presented and the types of bets you can place, you should do your research and then make your bets. Remember, always bet with your head, not your heart. Just because you are a Bengals fan, you shouldn’t back them to win all the time!